From the street, The Pinnacle appears unnervingly high and potentially difficult to walk. The good news is that it is not, and the views from the lookout make every bit of effort worthwhile. It is one of the very best vantage points in the Grampians National Park for terrific scenic views over a vast expanse of western Victoria.
There are a number of walking options to reach The Pinnacle, varying in distance and difficulty. The easiest route to The Pinnacle departs from the Sundial carpark within the national park and ascends to The Pinnacle via Devils Gap. This is the best route to use if young children or unconfident walkers are part of your walking group. The 4.2km walk will take one and a half to two hours for the return trip. It does include some water crossings and rock-hopping, so good sturdy shoes are essential.
A more challenging walk departs from the aptly named Wonderland carpark and ascends via the impressive Grand Canyon. It does not resemble the American canyon of the same name but is equally impressive with its unique Australian rock formations, albeit on a smaller scale! The walk continues through the Silent Street before rising up to The Pinnacle.
For the really adventurous, you can walk to The Pinnacle from the base of the mountains, starting at the Halls Gap caravan park. This extended walk will take around five hours return so is suitable for fit and experienced walkers.
All these walks offer a variety of incredible rock formations to see and negotiate, as well as lush vegetation that has recovered from bushfires with fresh spurts of new growth. In springtime, wildflowers burst into life with their brilliant bright colours. With an abundance of wildlife living in the park, your walk may also include glimpses of koalas, kangaroos, snakes, skinks and maybe even an echidna or two.
Whichever way you get there, the view from The Pinnacle lookout will astound you. While you get your breath back after your ascent, you will be able to see Halls Gap far below you, as well as Lake Bellfield. Plus you will get a close-up look at the irregular and fascinating rock formations for which the Grampians are so well-known.
A more challenging walk departs from the aptly named Wonderland carpark and ascends via the impressive Grand Canyon. It does not resemble the American canyon of the same name but is equally impressive with its unique Australian rock formations, albeit on a smaller scale! The walk continues through the Silent Street before rising up to The Pinnacle.
For the really adventurous, you can walk to The Pinnacle from the base of the mountains, starting at the Halls Gap caravan park. This extended walk will take around five hours return so is suitable for fit and experienced walkers.
All these walks offer a variety of incredible rock formations to see and negotiate, as well as lush vegetation that has recovered from bushfires with fresh spurts of new growth. In springtime, wildflowers burst into life with their brilliant bright colours. With an abundance of wildlife living in the park, your walk may also include glimpses of koalas, kangaroos, snakes, skinks and maybe even an echidna or two.
Whichever way you get there, the view from The Pinnacle lookout will astound you. While you get your breath back after your ascent, you will be able to see Halls Gap far below you, as well as Lake Bellfield. Plus you will get a close-up look at the irregular and fascinating rock formations for which the Grampians are so well-known.
The Pinnacle walks
Hiking and bushwalking
Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.
How to get there
The Pinnacle walks
Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. The central Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Wartook and is a scenic day trip from the regional towns of Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route.
When you're there
Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Need to know
The Pinnacle walks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)
Grand Canyon Walking Track Party Closed
The Grand Canyon walking track is partly closed until further notice due to structural concerns with a staircase.The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark.Access to the Pinnacle from Wonderland Carpark remains open via the western track that bypasses the Grand Canyon. -
First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area (Grampians National Park)
Major Mitchell Plateau Partly Closed
The Major Mitchell Plateau walking track is closed between First Wannon Hiker Camp and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail Works. First Wannon Hiker Camp remains open as a return walk from Sheep Hills Carpark, Mt William Carpark or Kalymna Campground. This closure will remain in place until further notice. -
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Grampians National Park, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park)
Temporary Closure: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre
As of the 1st of July 2020, Parks Victoria has temporarily taken on management of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.The centre will remain closed while Parks Victoria undertakes due diligence in assessing infrastructure, facilities and conducts essential works.Parks Victoria will be delivering essential park information and support services for visitors and licensed tour operators by phone, email and online, including campground bookings, school group activity statements and trip intention processes.Visitors seeking park information in person are asked to visit the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre.Parks Victoria contact details during this period:Phone: 13 1963Email: info@parks.vic.gov.auOnline campground bookings: www.parkstay.vic.gov.au -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2020
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.
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Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)
Temporary relocation of Stony Creek Group Camping Area
Due to Grampians Peaks Trail upgrade works, Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Campground) has been temporarily relocated approximately 1.5 km to the east along Stony Creek Road.Toilets and signage have been moved to this location.This arrangement will remain in place until mid-2020.All campers are required to stay at the new location. Camping is not permitted without a permit. -
Grampians National Park
European Wasps at Troopers Creek Campground
European Wasp populations have been identified at Troopers Creek Campground. Treatment is currently occurring to control these populations. Please be mindful when in the area. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Public access restrictions at Taipan Wall and Bundaleer
Protection zones restricting public access have been put in place to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage at the areas known as Bundaleer and Taipan Wall. Further information is available in this information sheet (PDF).
Similar experiences
Reeds Lookout
Great views overlooking the Victoria Valley. Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range,
Flinders Peak Lookout
Starting from the Turntable car park, this walk takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs. This is a challenging walk featuring 450 steps and rising 200m in elevation.
The Horn
Enjoy a picnic with a view at The Horn before climbing to the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park and surveying the folded mountains of the Great Dividing Range stretching into the distance.
